146 DISEASES 



about the age of five or six months; they are considerably elongated and 

 pointed; the upper ones are the stronger. 



"The Molars. — Of these, twelve are in the upper jaw and fourteen in 

 the lower; the first (that is, of course, the four, two upper and two under) 

 are not deciduous, and make their appearance at about three or four months; 

 the second, third in the upper, and fourth in the lower, are, like the in- 

 cisors and canines, deciduous, appearing at the fourth or fifth week, and 

 giving place to the permanent ones at five to six months; the fourth in the 

 upper jaw is much the strongest, and ,in the lower jaw, the fifth is the 

 largest and strongest. The fifth generally appears from the fourth to the 

 fifth month, and in the lower jaw the fifth is the largest and strongest. The 

 sixth at the age of from five to six months, and the seventh in the lower jaw 

 from five and a half to seven months. Most of the molars, in the lower jaw 

 from five and a half to seven months. Most of the molars, whilst adapted 

 for grinding or crushing bones, etc., are terminated by acute lobes suitable 

 for tearing flesh. 



"Tartar Accumulation Upon the Teeth. — This term is applied to those 

 blackish incrustations so commonly found adhering around the necks of the 

 teeth. It is by far the commonest in pet dogs, or those which are chiefly 

 fed upon soft food. Sometimes the accumulation of matter is so great that 

 it causes the teeth to become loose, leads to ulceration of the gums, and 

 the production of a most offensive smell from the mouth, all of which can 

 be obviated by giving the animal an occasional bone to pick. The treatment 

 must be directed to the removal of the tartar deposit. This can be done by 

 putting on a simple tape muzzle and then scraping the teeth with a small 

 instrument which is sold by most cutlers for the purpose of scraping the 

 nails of the human subject. It is a somewhat tedious operation, neverless 

 extremely simple. 



"Care must be taken to prevent the gums from injury, as they are very 

 soft, and bleed upon the slightest touch, in. many cases. All loose and 

 decayed teeth should be pulled out, and the mouth washed occasionally for 

 several days with some cleansing fluid, such as: 



Potash alum Vz dram 



Borax Vz dram 



Permanganate of potash 16 grains 



Water 4 ounces 



Directons. — Apply to the teeth with a brush. 



"The dog must have an occasional aperient, i. e., a laxative of a mild 

 kind, and there is nothing better than half to one teaspoonful of liquid 

 extract of cascara bark in a little water. 



"Broken Teeth. — The teeth are" liable to injury from various causes, 

 such as result from biting hard substances, like stone, etc. Unless they 

 cause inconvenience through sharp projecting points lacerating the tongue, 

 etc., or imperfect mastication of food, they are best left alone. In old dogs 

 the teeth are sometimes worn almost away, and such it is advisable to feed 

 on soft food. 



"Displaced Teeth, — The permanent teeth may be displaced either 



